Where is Yahaya Bello?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) put on a dramatic show on April 17 when its operatives stormed the Abuja residence of former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, to effect an arrest.

Their plan did not go down well after meeting a resistance from apparently stronger forces. The ‘show’ turned into an unpleasant entertainment of some sort as neighbours and passers-by were thrown into fear and confusion.

Following the unsuccessful attempt to arrest him, the EFCC put out a disclaimer the next day, declaring Bello wanted to answer for allegations of N80 billion fraud. Taking this a step further, the Nigeria Immigration Service shut down any attempt by Yahaya Bello to sneak out of the country either by road, sea or air as all the ports and borders were alerted to watch out for that one man. The DSS and police were alerted to effect Bello’s arrest.

That was more than two weeks ago, and after all the show of force, Yahaya Bello is yet to turn himself in, and neither the EFCC, DSS, police, Immigration, Customs, Civil Defence, Road Safety nor any other law enforcement organisation has been able to find him.

So, where is Yahaya Bello?

Is he in Abuja? Kogi? Lagos? Sambisa? Or somewhere in Owerri chilling?

Is he still in Nigeria, or has he since made his way outside with the help of members of those who claimed to be looking for him?

If Yahaya Bello was a needle, I would have agreed that even if a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team launch a search party for him, it would be a difficult task to find him. But he is not a needle and neither is he a small man.

Bello is a popular political figure, well-known within and outside the shores of the country. He was a two-time governor of Kogi state who spent eight good years on that seat. Throughout his term as governor, he was the youngest in Nigeria, and the only governor born after the Nigerian Civil War. His ambition got to a peak when he declared his interest in running in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential elections. Someone like this cannot be missing or hiding except if the EFCC is playing a prank on us.

However, the only way to resolve this is still to show up. Bello needs to show up, he cannot avoid the EFCC forever. I am sure by now, his lawyers must have prepared all documents to defend their principal. Court judgments, evidence, petitions must be made ready for this long, unavoidable battle.

Perhaps the issue is that Bello doesn’t want to suffer the same fate as former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele who is still being rough handled after a very long time in custody. Getting bail has not come easy, and that alone is enough to terrify anybody regardless of your status in the society.

Since last year, shortly after his suspension and subsequent arrest and detention, Emefiele has been dragged before four courts, between Lagos and Abuja, over alleged corruption and abuse of office, among other charges. The federal government had initially arraigned him on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms before a federal high court in Lagos. But last July, the government, following an order of a high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for his unconditional release from the custody of the EFCC, filed a fresh 20-count charge against him in Abuja.

Only last month, Emefiele was also arraigned at a Lagos high court, in Ikeja, over alleged abuse of office and allocation of billions of dollars. His arraignment on a fresh 26-count charge stalled his ongoing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT high court, Abuja, on April 25, forcing the Abuja court to adjourn till June for continuation of trial. These things are frightening and frustrating, hence Bello may feel he must handle his own situation with care.

The EFCC also must slow down on their commando-like approach to issues that can be handled more professionally. I mean, this man is not a criminal, and until a competent court of law proves him guilty, he remains innocent and just a suspect like many other politicians.

Israel Ojoko, a journalist, and content strategist, can be reached via [email protected]